GRASSHOPPERS
GRASSHOPPERS
Grasshoppers RFC are a great example
of the vital role a club can play in
its local community in a variety of
different ways. Rugby Club Magazine
caught up with Club Chairman Gary
Cunningham to find out more.
2015 CEO, Debbie Jevans, come to the club with
the world cup to launch the programme.
Involvement
Youth
He told us, “I joined Grasshoppers in 1994 after
moving into the area and meeting friends who
were already involved in the club. What first struck
me at Grasshoppers was the welcoming and
family atmosphere.
It was definitely a club that provided great facilities,
great rugby and something for everybody regardless of ability. I am delighted that these
traditions have been enhanced and built on over
the years and we remain a club renowned for
our friendliness and our volunteers as well as our
rugby.”
“Youth rugby is of the utmost importance to us.
We set up our mini and youth sections in the
2003/2004 season on the back of England’s World
Cup success. We had previously run youth and
Colt sides on an ad hoc basis but realised that the
best form of senior recruitment was to generate our
own home grown players.
Atmosphere
“The mood here is excellent. Earlier this year we
were selected by England Rugby 2015 to launch
the RWC2015 Volunteer Programme ‘The Pack’
which saw Jonny Wilkinson and England Rugby
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Pre-season training has just began and coaches
and players are excited about the challenge.
Player retention has been excellent with a number
of new faces joining us for the coming season.”
We now run sides from Knee-Highs (4-6 year olds),
through every age group up to Under 18. We also
have girls’ sides at Under 13, 15 and 18 level.
Our Junior sides compete in the Hertfordshire and
Middlesex Leagues and to date we have enjoyed
8 league titles and 15 promotions. Last season we
were selected by the RFU as a pilot site for the
new initiative ‘Kids First Rugby’ which puts the child
at the centre of everything.”